Poultry transport system and method

ABSTRACT

A poultry transport system and method involving at least one frame structure configurable for baseless suspension in which said system and method may include a frame structure top of a first frame structure engageable to a frame structure bottom of a second frame structure to form paired frame structures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional U.S. patent application claimingthe benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/633,782filed on Feb. 22, 2018, U.S. provisional application No. 62/750,963filed on Oct. 26, 2018, and U.S. provisional application No. 62/750,974filed on Oct. 26, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to poultry transport systems and methodsfor use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Poultry transport systems and methods currently exist on the market.These systems and methods generally include frame structures ofessentially rectangular boxes with columns and/or rows of cells definedin great part by the outer frame structure often with some type ofopenwork system allowing air circulation (potentially withbraces/struts)—the overall system essentially consisting of an array ofintegrated cage cells. Older poultry transport systems can have as manyas seven (7) load-bearing layers for transporting chickens (other thanhatchlings—said hatchlings often being transported in poultry transportsystems with many more layers due to hatchlings' diminutivesize/height). While individual load-bearing layers may be stacked on topof one another in older poultry transport systems, integrated systemsapproaching a realistic maximum numbers of layers for non-hatchlings(e.g., seven layers) were not intended to be stacked upon one another.

More modern, integrated, commercial poultry transport systems havegenerally settled upon frame structures with cells mostly defined by nomore than five (5) poultry load-bearing layers divided into either two(2) or three (3) vertical columns. Such cells may be configured with amostly open side face into which open-top crates/drawers containingpoultry can be inserted; and/or each cell can have an associated dooreither biased or otherwise securable to prevent the unintentional exitof poultry once inserted into a cell for transport. Such modem five (5)layer frame structures are generally stacked no higher than two framestructures high on a transport vehicle (i.e., tractor-trailer generallywith a complete platform bed). The current general realistic limit often (10) total layers for two stacked frame structures loaded on atransport vehicle is primarily dictated by the expected general size of(non-hatchling) transported poultry as well as safety/legal limitationsrelated to load height and weight. Sometimes, the realistic limit oflayers is even less than ten (10), particularly for bigger poultry(e.g., full-grown turkeys). The foregoing, older poultry transportsystems generally rely upon lashings or other tie-down methods toprevent a load from shifting excessively during vehicular transport.

Such frame structures can have material at or very near a bottomdefining grooves/openings engageable by lifting means (e.g., a forkliftand/or the forks of a forklift). The low position of these engageabledefined grooves/openings can make them difficult to view during anylifting attempt/operation and require the lifting means to engage theframes structures at a low level (potential at further distances, oralong less favorable/unattainable lines of sight, for the lift operatorespecially if the lift operator is wearing protective equipment like ahardhat and/or if a cab area or the operator utilizes atmosphericprotection/enhancement equipment.

Such difficult lines of sight can potentially increase handling mishapsresulting in damage/injury to the frame structure, any poultry containedtherein, the lifting means or vehicle being loaded/unloaded, or nearbystructures/equipment/persons. Also, by engaging the frame structures atsuch a low level, during loading/unloading operations, the lifting meansoften needs to lift the frame structure(s) to considerable heightsduring loading/unloading operations; the increased pertinent verticaldistance component during lifting can result in less of a pertinenthorizontal distance component, particularly regarding support members onlifting means that are angled to level ground, resulting in lesshorizontal clearance (e.g., for tires) between the lifting means and anytransport vehicle that is being loaded/unloaded. If a forklift is usedas the lifting means, the fork assembly often cannot be convenientlyconfigured to any settings other than those that permits the forks to beat a low position very near ground level to engage grooves/opening nearthe ground.

Also, a generally complete platform bed (e.g., atop a trailer chassis)can be heavy as well as expensive to install/maintain. Usage of agenerally complete platform bed generally decreases the useful loadweight during transport. Usage of a generally complete platform bedgenerally promotes load placement at a level higher than if no completeplatform bed were required thereby decreasing the amount of useful loadheight while raising the centers of gravity for, and decreasing thestability of, the transported load and its associated means oftransport. The foregoing tends to lower the amount of useful load,increase the number of required transports for a given weight ofpoultry, and result in increased fuel, maintenance, and other costs.

Poultry transport cage doors for poultry transport systems and methodsfor use currently exist on the market. However, these doors generallyrequire labor-intensive and time-consuming efforts to secure or unsecurethe poultry transport cage doors during poultry transport operations andtransitions (e.g., numerous engagements of eyehook devices). Currenttransport cage doors for poultry transport systems and methods aregenerally associated with static cagework/wireworks helping to definecells—each cell holding multiple poultry during transport. Alternativelyor additionally, cells may have a mostly open side face through whichopen-top crates/drawers loaded with poultry may be inserted into cellsfor transport and removed upon arrival at a destination. Removal is alsooften labor-intensive and time-consuming requiring each individualpoultry to be handled by personnel.

Also, current poultry transport cages includes direct exposure of metalwire to the birds. As the cage ages, and is mishandled, the wires canbend, deform, spread, distort or break. Such breakage and deformationcan cause pointed ends that damage/injure the birds. Extensive breakageof the floors can allow the birds to fall through to a differentcell/cage, be cut or trapped by the broken floor or escape the cageentirely. Furthermore, cold bare wire can freeze to poultry when graspedand their feet can freeze to the floor causing harm to the bird.Furthermore, poultry can become entangled or otherwise engaged towireworks thereby requiring more effort to remove them from a cell oncethey arrive at a destination. It would also be more desirable to providea structure, such as the structure of the invention disclosed herein,which also helps the birds avoid direct sunlight to keep them cooler inhot weather.

Damage to poultry transport cages currently on the market can lead tocostly repairs and/or premature disposal of the poultry transport cagedue to wear and tear. Also, organic waste created by poultry duringtransport can foul the cages requiring extensive cleaning, in part toprevent/hinder the spread of certain poultry diseases. Unchanneledorganic waste can also create messy conditions for poultry—especiallythose in the lower layers.

Also, the cagework/wireworks in current poultry transport cagesessentially allows only a slightly impeded view both into and out of theframe structures. As a result, passersby have increased opportunity topotentially form negative impressions of the company transporting thepoultry, or to be otherwise deleteriously affected regarding macabrethoughts regarding transported poultry's likely final destination.Additionally, a constantly changing visual pattern can be more stressfulto transported poultry versus a mostly blocked visual pattern; any suchextra stress can lead to less favorable physiological conditions fortransported poultry as well as increased damaging pecking/scratchingamongst transported poultry.

Accordingly, for the above reasons and others, there is a need in theindustry for improved poultry transport systems and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally directed to systems and methods whichaddresses the issues cited above as well as other issues, among otherthings.

For example, some embodiments of the invention are directed to a poultrytransport system and method comprising at least one frame structureconfigurable for baseless suspension. The at least one frame structuremay comprise at least six load-bearing layers. Such a six load-bearinglayer system might be especially suited for full-grown broiler chickens;however, certain concepts/embodiments of the current invention couldstill include fewer load-bearing layers (e.g., perhaps only three orfour load-bearing layers for larger poultry such as full-grown turkeys;or perhaps utilizing the more common five load-bearing layers systemscurrently in the marketplace). The aforementioned system may furtherinclude or be dimensioned to be placed upon a transport vehiclecomprising at least two frame rails at least some portions of which areseparated by a gap wherein the at least one frame structure isconfigurable for baseless suspension from the at least two frame rails.In some embodiments, the aforementioned system further comprises atleast two traversing bars between at least two of the at least two framerails, said frame rails and at least two traversing members defining atleast one loading port configurable for insertion of the bottom of theat least one frame structure.

Some embodiments of the invention are also directed to a poultrytransport system comprising: a frame structure configurable to transportpoultry comprising; two frame structure sides; two frame structure ends;a frame structure top; a frame structure bottom; openwork joined to theframe structure said openwork configured for permitting airflow, whereinsaid frame structure and openwork at least partially defines cellsconfigured for containing poultry during transport and at least onecargo port opening leading to a respective associated cell forcontaining poultry during transport.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the frame structurefurther comprises at least six load-bearing layers.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the frame structuregenerally defines a rectilinear box.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the frame structureand/or openwork comprises at least one vertical member dividing theframe structure into at least two columns of cargo port openings withrespective row(s) of associated cells. In some embodiments, there aretwo vertical members dividing the frame structure into three columns ofcargo port openings with respective row(s) of associated cells. In someembodiments, a single cell can have more than one door (e.g., oneload-bearing layer may have no vertical member dividing the framestructure into columns of cargo port openings with plural doors on saidlayer).

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the frame structureis configurable to support drawers inserted into respective cargo portopenings.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the frame structuretop comprises at least one longitudinal member defining a recessengageable by lifting means. In some embodiments, two such longitudinalmembers are present with recesses engageable by a two-fork forklift, andthe fork assembly may be inverted such that when the fork assembly is atits lowest setting, the forks are still a substantial distance from theground.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the frame structuretop of one frame structure is shaped and/or otherwise frictionallyengageable for pairing with a frame structure bottom of another framestructure thereby forming paired frame structures.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned systems further comprise a doorassociated with respective cargo port openings wherein the door isconfigurable to be biased and/or otherwise securable to prevent theunintentional exit of poultry once inserted into a cell for transport.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the door comprises atleast one magnet engageable with the frame structure or other partsassociated with the frame structure.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the door comprisesopenwork.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the door comprises ahinge (e.g., a piano hinge or living hinge).

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the door is part of arespective drawer generally insertable into a respective cargo portopening.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the door is integralwith a front section of a poultry transport cage liner.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the door is comprisedof a portion of a poultry transport cage liner.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned systems further comprise apoultry transport cage liner.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the poultry transportcage liner is comprised of thermally insulating material.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the poultry transportcage liner comprises a floor section.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the poultry transportcage liner further comprises at least one wall section.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the poultry transportcage liner further comprises holes defined by the at least one wallsections.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, drainage slots aredefined in the floor section and/or the at least one wall sections.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the at least one wallsection comprises at least two wall sections.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the at least two wallsections comprises at least four wall sections, wherein the floorsection and four wall sections are configurable to form the generalshape of an open-top box.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the poultry transportcage liner further comprises means for fastening at least one wallsection to at least one other adjacent wall section. The means forfastening may comprise one or more tabs engageable with at least oneother adjacent wall section.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the poultry transportcage liner comprises a living hinge.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the door furthercomprises at least one magnet engageable with the frame structure orother parts associated with the frame structure.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the poultry transportcage liner is configurable to generally lie within a plane and isfoldable to where the at least one wall sections is substantiallyperpendicular to the floor section.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned systems, the frame structureand/or openworks and/or door may be composed of plastic, other polymers,combined polymers, and/or combined polymeric and non-polymericmaterials, suitable for load-bearing adequate to contain and transportpoultry. The aforementioned systems may have much/most of their framestructure and/or openworks and/or door composed of lightweight plastic,other combined polymers, and or combined polymeric and non-polymericmaterials while other portions of the frame structure and/or openworksand/or door (e.g., outer portions of the frame structure) may becomposed of a lightweight metal (e.g., aluminum) components wherein thelightweight metal components have desirable strength/wear qualities.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a method for poultrytransport comprising the steps of: placing poultry within cells definedwithin a frame structure; inserting the bottom section of an at leastone frame structure through a gap at least partially defined by at leasttwo frame rails comprising part of a transport vehicle; and suspendingthe frame structure from the at least two frame rails in a baselessconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned method further comprises thestep of placing a poultry transport cage liner within a cell within aframe structure.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned method further comprises thestep of engaging the top of a first frame structure with the bottom of asecond frame structure; in some preferred embodiments at least one ofthe two engaged frame structures has six levels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way ofexample, and not by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings,wherein;

FIG. 1 depicts a three-dimensional side perspective view emphasizing theouter parameters of a frame structure for the poultry transport systemand method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a three-dimensional end perspective view emphasizingcorner extension and two major types of formed recesses—one forengagement by lifting means and one for potentially engaging anotherframe structure—associated with the top side of a frame structure forthe poultry transport system and method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a three-dimensional side perspective view showing thetwo-column array and three-column array of defined ports on opposingsides of a frame structure for a poultry transport system and method inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an end perspective view generally emphasizing an end of aframe structure for a poultry transport system and method in accordancewith the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view generally emphasizing a side of aframe structure for a poultry transport system and method in accordancewith the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is overhead perspective view of a top side for a frame structuregenerally including some internal structure such as struts for a poultrytransport system and method in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is an overhead perspective view of an example center framehelping to form the floor of a load-bearing layer including someinternal structure such as struts for a poultry transport system andmethod in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a bottom side for a framestructure generally including internal structure such as struts for apoultry transport system and method in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is side perspective of a tractor-trailer loaded with joined andunjoined frame structures for a poultry transport system and method inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an overhead perspective showing of an essentially ladderchassis for a tractor-trailer in an unloaded state and without optionaldecking over tire and wheel sections.

FIG. 11 depicts a three-dimensional side perspective of a forkliftpreparing to engage recesses defined by material near the top of a framestructure for the poultry transport system and method of the presentinvention. In some embodiments (not shown), the fork assembly may beinverted such that when placed in a lowest setting, the associated forksare still a substantial distance above the ground.

FIG. 12 depicts an overhead perspective of an unfolded poultry transportcage liner attachable to a poultry cage door in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 13 depicts an overhead perspective of a folded poultry transportcage liner attachable to a poultry cage drawer and/or door in accordancewith the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 14 depicts a three-dimensional overhead perspective of the poultrytransport cage liner of FIG. 12, with some sides folded (and potentiallyattached), serving as a poultry transport cage drawer and door for usewith a poultry transport in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 depicts an overhead perspective of a tabbed, unfolded poultrytransport cage liner in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 depicts an overhead perspective of an untabbed, unfolded poultrytransport cage liner in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 depicts a three-dimensional overhead perspective of a poultrytransport cage liner of FIG. 15 in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 18 depicts a three-dimensional overhead perspective of a foldedpoultry transport cage liner in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 19 depicts a three-dimensional side perspective view of a foldedpoultry transport cage liner from FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is three-dimensional top perspective of the poultry transportcage liner in FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 depicts the poultry transport cage liner of FIG. 20 folded andplaced into a poultry transport cage in accordance with the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 22 depicts an additional view of the poultry transport cage linerof FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 depicts the attachment of the poultry transport cage liner ofFIG. 21 to the poultry transport cage in accordance with the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 24 depicts multiple poultry transport cage liners in a multi-cellpoultry cage in accordance with in the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 25 depicts a multi-cell poultry transport cage.

FIG. 26 depicts a perimeter wall of an alternate poultry transport cageliner in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 27 depicts an alternate perimeter wall of attached to aninterchangeable liner floor in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 28 depicts installation of a poultry transport cage liner into apoultry transport cage in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of theinvention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in whichthe invention may be practiced. The detailed description includesspecific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understandingof the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart that the invention may be practiced without these specific details.In some instances, well known structures and components are shown inblock diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of theinvention; additionally, sometimes attention is drawn to the generalouter frame structure without depicting other associated structures(e.g., support structures or openworks generally at the boundary of orwithin space generally defined by the outer parameters of a framestructure).

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled inthe art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Variousmodifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may beapplied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to belimited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the fullscope consistent with each claim's language, wherein reference to anelement in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structuraland functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodimentsdescribed throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to beknown to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporatedherein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by thisapplication. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to bededicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure isexplicitly recited in any claim(s). No claim element is to be construedunder the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless theelement is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in thecase of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “stepfor.”

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art(s), aspects of thepresent invention may be embodied as a method, system, or structure. Thecorresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all meansor step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention; forexample, the door, hinge(s), liner, drawer, and magnet(s) of the currentinvention could be adapted, fitted, or retrofitted in shape,composition, or other aspects so that they work efficiently with poultrycages that already (or will) exist in the marketplace. Aspects of theinvention were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

Some Definitions

“Baseless” and “baselessly” refer to a bottom of a pertinent object notbeing in a condition upon which it rests upon a base. By way of example,some portion of an object other than the bottom may be supported suchthat the object hangs or is suspended without its bottom resting upon aplatform such as a trailer bed. In some embodiments it may be preferableto utilize a base upon which a bottom may be supported to some extent,and provided that a substantial portion of the weight is supported viathe above described hanging and suspension, this is still considered“baseless” or “baselessly”.

“Frame rails” includes not only elongated members but functionalequivalents of elongated members even if some portions are curved or arenot of a straight-edged nature.

“Load-bearing layer” refers to a generally horizontally orientated layerintended to generally bear the weight of contained and/or transportedpoultry. Said term is generally not intended to refer to the fact that aframe structure top may directly bear the weight of one frame structurestacked on top of another frame structure.

“Poultry transport cage”, when used as a noun, in its narrowest sense,can mean the frame structure of the current invention—potentially withopenworks, struts, drawers, doors, and other accoutrements—generallydesigned to define cells to contain/transport poultry. Occasionally, ina broader sense, the term can include not only the frame structure ofthe current invention (with potential openworks, struts, drawers, anddoor) but generically other analogous frame structures with associatedaccoutrements designed to contain/transport poultry. Examples of twopotential embodiments of poultry transport cage are included asreference characters 1902 in FIG. 23 and 3000 in FIG. 25.

“Transport vehicle” includes any vehicle for transporting loadsincluding, but not limited to, an integrated powered vehicle, or anon-powered object (e.g., a trailer chassis and/or partial flatbed)intended to be propelled by or joined to a powered/propelled vehicle.

“Traversing bar” (or “traversing members”) include not only elongatedmembers with square/rectangular cross-sections, but elongated memberswith any shape of cross-section, and also includes three-dimensionalshapes having a cross-section that could otherwise serve as a functionalequivalent of a bar (or traversing member) as well as non-straight edgedshapes that can otherwise function as a bar (or traversing member).

“Openwork(s)” includes, but is not limited to, cagework, wirework,perforated walls, or any other number of lattices or other similarstructure with substantial openings potentially permitting aircirculation.

FIG. 1 depicts a three-dimensional diagram of a frame structure 100having a length 150, a width 160 and height 170. The frame structure 100has two generally complementary frame structure sides 201 a and 201 bgenerally oriented in a plane or plane parallel to both length 150 andheight 170. The frame structure has two generally complementary framestructure ends 202 a and 202 b generally oriented in a plane or planeparallel to both width 160 and height 170. Frame structure 100 has anframe structure bottom 203 generally oriented with a plane parallel toboth length 150 and width 160, as well as an opposing frame structuretop 204 generally oriented with a plane parallel to the plane to whichframe structure bottom 203 is orientated. Frame structure sides 201 aand 201 b include one or more longitudinal members 301 and one or morevertical members 310 a at least partially defining an array of cargoport openings 320 along with material defining the generally rectilinearoutline of frame structure 100. FIG. 1 depicts only one such verticalmember 310 a (for each frame structure side 201 a or 201 b) which atleast partially defines an array of cargo port openings 320 having twocolumns. Frame structure ends 202 a and 202 b include one or moretraversing members 302.

FIG. 2 emphasizes a frame structure top 204 of a frame structure 100with length 150 and width 160. Frame structure top 204 includes one ormore generally identical or complementary longitudinal bars 340 each ofwhich may define one or more generally identical or complementary shapedcorners 350, as well as one or more defined lift ports 360 preferablyextending a significant distance within a longitudinal bar 340. Thematerial of frame structure top 204 may also define one or more shapedpartial recesses 370 at least partially engageable with protrudingmaterial on frame structure bottom 203 of a second frame structure 100.Shaped corners 350 may be shaped to bias or guide a second framestructure 100 placed improperly or imprecisely upon a first framestructure 100 towards a more desirable position preferably viagravitational force. In addition to engaging, biasing, and/or guiding tofavorably contact the frame structure bottom 203 of a frame structure100 with the frame structure top 204 of another frame structure 100, twoframe structures 100 can be further paired by fastening means.

In other embodiments any number of combinations of recesses orprotuberances could be utilized on a frame structure top 204 of a framestructure 100, which at least in part might be complemented byengageable recess or protuberances on a frame structure bottom 203 ofanother frame structure 100. Also, the defined lift ports 360 are notlimited to a frame structure top 204 of a frame structure 100 providedit is a substantial distance from frame structure bottom 203. Nor arethe lift ports 360 limited to only be formed by longitudinal bars 340orientated with length 150 but could, among other things, be orientatedwith the width 160 of a frame structure 100 such that lifting meansmight favorably engage a frame structure from a frame structure side 201a or 201 b rather than on a frame structure end 202 a or 202 b. Nor isthe invention limited to two longitudinal bars 340 depicted (e.g., eachframe structures 100 might have just one longitudinal bar 340 positionedto allow two joined and/or adjacent frame structures 100 to be liftedsimultaneously even if it be with two or more forks for adjacent framestructures).

FIG. 3 depicts a preferred embodiment of the present invention in whichframe structure 100 has two frame structure sides 201 a and 201 b. Framestructure side 201 b includes only one vertical member 310 a at leastpartially defining an array with two columns of cargo port openings 320;while opposing side 201 a includes two vertical members 310 a at leastpartially defining an array with three columns of cargo port openings320.

FIG. 4 is an end perspective drawing of a frame structure end 202 a.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective drawing of a frame structure side 201 a.

The outside parameters of the frame structure top 204, center frame 207,and/or frame structure bottom 203 of FIGS. 6-8 may be formed bylongitudinal members 301 and traversing members 302 and/or be attachedbe connecting means to same.

FIG. 6 is top perspective drawing of a top surface 410 of framestructure top 204 showing optional struts 415 running the length/widthof (or diagonally within) frame structure top 204 for providingstrength/stability to frame structure 100 or its associated parts

FIG. 7 is a top perspective drawing of a top surface 430 of a centerframe 207 showing optional struts 415 running the length/width of (ordiagonally within) a center frame 207 for providing strength/stabilityto frame structure 100 or its associated parts. A frame structure caninclude multiple layers of center frames 207 (generally five for asix-layer frame structure) situated between the top surface 410 of FIG.6 and the bottom surface 420 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective drawing of bottom surface 420 of framestructure bottom 203 showing optional struts 415 running thelength/width of (or diagonally within) a frame structure bottom 203 forproviding strength/stability to frame structure 100 or its associatedparts.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual schematic drawing depicting a trailer 500 showingloaded paired and unpaired frame structures 100. Trailer 500 includes achassis 510 including two relatively identical and/or complementaryframe rails 520 extending along a substantial portion of the length oftrailer 500; said frame rails 520 at least partially separated by a gapbetween themselves. Such frame rails 520 are generally joined bytraversing bars 525 of FIG. 10 often at ninety degrees and forty-fivedegree angles to frame rails 520. Paired and/or unpaired framestructures 100 may be loaded onto a trailer 500; some portions of suchframe structures 100 may extend below the tops of frame rails 520 vialoading ports 530 (of FIG. 10) defined by frame rails 520 and traversingbars 525 between said frame rails 520. In some embodiments not depicted,one or more of the traversing bars 525 may be absent, with one or more(paired) frame structures 100 being supported primarily by frame rails520, preferably at longitudinal bars 340 and/or shaped corners 350 ofthe bottom frame structure 100 of a set of paired frame structures.

FIG. 10 depicts two frame rails 520 of a chassis 510—specifically aladder frame chassis—with traversing bars 525 throughout underhangloading section 600, and traversing diagonal braces 527 potentially overwheels, axles, and other equipment areas. Traversing bars 525 and framerails 520 define loading ports 530 (only some examples drawn to)throughout underhang loading section 600 with said ports being sized toallow insertion of at least some portion of frame structure 100 througha loading port 530 with frame rails 520 and/or traversing bars 525supporting a loaded frame structure 100; while braces 527 in platformloading sections 610 and 618 are potentially over wheels, axles, andother equipment areas, do not necessarily define any port large enoughfor insertion of frame structure 100. Platform loading sections 610 and618 may or may not have platform decking. Frame rails 520 and/ortraversing bars 525 may supportively engage paired or unpaired framestructures 100 in baseless suspension. Additional or alternativeconnective means may be used to engage and/or join paired or unpairedframe structures 100 to frame rails 520 and/or traversing bars 525. Inyet another embodiment, for at least a portion of underhang loadingsection 600, some portion of loaded frame structures 100 may hang upon,or be joined by connecting means to, frame rails 520. In yet anotherembodiment, frame structures 100 may be joined by connecting means toadjacently loaded frame structures 100.

By allowing insertion of at least some portion of frame structure 100through loading ports 530, the height profile of a load of framestructures 100 and/or associated loaded trailer 500 (or some other meansof transport) is generally substantial lowered thereby loweringassociated centers of gravity. While current poultry transport systemsconsists of frame structures having no more than five-levels of cargoport openings, the lowered height profile and lowered centers of gravityof the present invention favors at least a six-row/six-layer array forcargo port openings 320 in FIG. 1. While one of the main goals of thecurrent invention is to permit a sixth layer in a frame structure 100,some embodiments of the current invention still permit for other numbersof layers, including the traditional 5-layer system in wide usecurrently, or perhaps it would be preferably to have even fewer layers(e.g., three or four) for larger poultry such as grown turkeys.

The frame rails 520 of the ladder frame chassis 510 are not limited tostraight shapes (e.g., the frame rails 520 may include arches orkickups, or the frame rails 520 may terminate and/or transition toanother part of the trailer that substantially operates as an extensionof frame rails 520 and/or a separate section of the trailer that mayonly be suitable to have a one level of unpaired frame structures loadedupon it—although adjacent frame structures could be joined to oneanother). It should be understood that the invention is not limited tothe specific type of chassis, partial bed, or vehicle depicted in FIGS.9 and 10. It should also be understood that the recitation of a framestructure or paired/joined frame structure engaged to a chassis,platform, trailer, or other singular/paired/joined frame structure isnot meant to imply that no other element may be provided (such as forexample, an attachment to one or both main frame rail(s) of the trailerchassis and/or associated cross-members to provide protuberances,finger-like extensions, or any other means aiding or providing fasteningmeans).

FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional side perspective drawings emphasizingframe structure top 204 of a frame structure 100 in which the forks 700of a fork assembly 705 portion of a lifting means (i.e., a forkliftgenerally not otherwise depicted) are preparing to engage materialdefining lift ports 360. Also depicted are side perspective examples ofcenter frames 207 as an integral part of frame structure 100. In someembodiments not depicted, the fork assembly 705 may be inverted suchthat when placed in a lowest setting, the forks 700 are a substantialdistance above the ground, thereby decreasing the subsequent distancethe forks 700 need to be raised to engage lift ports 360.

FIG. 12 depicts a diagram of an overhead view of a poultry transportcage liner 1100 with a front wall 1104 d portions of which in certainmodes may be integrated with a poultry transport cage door (e.g., door1610 of FIG. 13-14) in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention. The poultry transport cage liner 1100 may protect live birds,with a floor 1102 also providing cushioning and support, duringloading/unloading and transport operations and transitions.

The poultry transport cage liner 1100 may comprise a floor 1102 and oneor more walls 1104 (e.g. walls 1104 a, 1104 b, 1104 c, and 1104 d inFIG. 12). In some embodiments, wall 1104 a may be a first side wall,wall 1104 b may be a back wall, wall 1104 c may be a second side wall,and 1104 d may be a front wall. In the example depicted in FIG. 12, thepoultry transport cage liner 1100 is in an unfolded position, whereinthe walls 1104 a-1104 d are substantially in plane with the floor 1102.The walls 1104 a-1104 c may be hingeably attached to the floor 1102 athingeable connection 1108 a, such as via a crease in the integralformation between the each respective wall 1104 a-1104 c and the floor1102. The front wall 1104 d may be hingeably attached to floor 1102 viahingeable attachment, preferably living hinge 1201 (although onepossible embodiment not depicted could include another hingeableconnection 1108 a essentially substituted for living hinge 1201). Insome embodiments, the poultry cage liner 1100 may include connectingmeans (e.g., tabs not depicted) to join one or more walls 1104 a-1104 dto an adjacent wall helping create or maintain a substantiallynon-planar position for one or more walls 1104 a-1104 d in relation tofloor 1102. In some embodiments, the height 1107 d of wall 1104 d isapproximately equal to each of the heights 1107 a-1107 c of perimeterwall 1104 a-1104 c (e.g., approximately 20 cm from hinged connections1108 afor walls 1104 a-1104 c and approximately 20 cm from living hinge1201 for wall 1104 d).

In some embodiments, the material of floor 1102 may define at least aportion of one or more drain slots 1106, preferably positioned at theedges of the floor 1102 in line with a hinged connection 1108 awhich mayallow for easier folding of the liner 1100.

A width of walls 1104 a and 1104 c may be substantially the length ofthe floor 1102. The width 1109 of the liner 1100 in the unfoldedposition may be 110 cm measured from the top 1105 a of wall 1104 a tothe top 1105 c of wall 1104 c. The length 1111 of the liner 1100 in theunfolded position may be approximately 157 cm measured from the forwardedge 1101 of front wall 1104 d to the top 1105 b of the back wall 1104b.

The material of walls 1104 a-1104 d of the poultry transport cage liner1100 may define holes 1202. Defined holes 1202 may be sized for airflowfor contained poultry. For example, embodiments include between three tosix rows of holes 1202 in the walls 1104 a-1104 d. Further embodimentsmay include one row of holes 1202 in each wall 1104 a-1104 d. Additionalembodiments even include any number and size of holes 1202 in each wall1104 a-1104 d.

FIG. 13 depicts a labeled diagram of the poultry transport cage liner1100 of FIG. 12 with walls 1104 a-1104 d oriented substantiallyperpendicular to floor 1102 preferably pointing out of the same side ofa plane generally including floor 1102. Also, shown is a poultrytransport cage drawer 1600 including a poultry transport cage door 1610preferably with a means for pivoting in axial association with livinghinge 1201. In some embodiments, with walls 1104 a-1104 d positionedsubstantially perpendicular on the same side of a plane generallyincluding floor 1102, the overall length 1181 of the poultry transportcage liner 1100 from a forward edge 1101 of front wall 1104 d to a top1105 b of wall 1104 b may be approximately 117 cm. The height of eachperimeter wall 1104 a-1104 d may be 20 cm, or any other heightappropriate for the corresponding cage.

In some preferred embodiments, the poultry transport cage liner 1100does not include each and every element described in FIG. 12 and FIG.13, but may be comprised substantially of front wall 1104 d, livinghinge 1201, and floor 1102, or some portion(s) thereof. For example,FIG. 14 depicts a diagram of poultry transport cage drawer 1600 withpoultry transport cage door 1610 integrally attached to front wall 1104d. Front wall 1104 d is hingeably attached to floor 1102 via livinghinge 1201, and said floor 1102 or some portion thereof is integrallyattached to transport cage drawer 1600 (perimeter walls 1104 a-1104 care not necessary in this embodiment; and in some embodiments a smallerfront wall 1104 d or a smaller portion thereof could be integral withpoultry transport cage door 1610, just as a smaller floor 1102 or asmaller portion thereof could be integral with transport cage drawer1600; with the size of living joint 1201 varying according to theavailability of material and potential joinder between front wall 1104 dand floor 1102.

In some preferred embodiments, polyester woven strapping 1620 serves asconnective means between (1) some portion of integrated poultrytransport cage door 1610 and/or front wall 1104 d; and (2) some otherportion of poultry transport drawer 1600 thereby potentially limitingthe pivoting range of living hinge 1201. In some preferred embodiments,poultry transport cage door 1610 or integral wall 1104 d may include oneor more magnet(s) 1630 or other means for connecting door 1610 to someother portion of frame structure 100 or parts associated/connected toframe structure 100. Furthermore, said magnet(s) 1630 may be eitherfixed or suspended upon material in or connected to frame structure 100.Connective means other than the polyester woven strapping 1620 depictedin FIG. 14 may be used to limit the pivoting range of living hinge 1201(e.g., an arm hinge).

As previously stated, the material of frame structure 100 can helpdefine the cargo port openings 320 (See FIG. 1). Each cargo portopenings 320 can receive a respective poultry transport drawer 1600,with struts 415 in FIG. 6-8 potentially helping stabilize the poultrytransport drawers 1600 within frame structure 100. In some preferredembodiments, the height 1107 d of front wall 1104 d exceeds the heightof its respective cargo port opening 320 such that one or more magnets1630 as depicted in FIG. 14 may magnetically engage (or other connectivemeans may engage) material in, or connected to [potentially including(an)other magnet(s)], frame structure 100 to hold poultry transport cagedoor 1610 in a substantially closed position as shown in FIG. 13; andwhen magnet 1201 is not sufficiently magnetically engaged (or otherconnective means is not sufficiently engaged) with material in, orconnected to, frame structure 100, then the poultry transport cage door1610 may be in the substantially open position shown in FIG. 14 withpolyester woven strapping) 620, or other connective means, limiting thepivoting range of living hinge 1201.

The poultry transport cage liners 1100 with their associated livinghinge 1201 and front wall 1104 d integral with poultry transport cagedoor 1610 may comprise one or more plastics, such as corrugated flutedpolypropylene (e.g. Coroplast™), or any other suitable materialsufficiently flexible to permit pivoting at living hinge 1201.

As previously stated in some preferred embodiments, the poultrytransport cage liner 1100 does not include each and every elementdescribed in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. For example, FIG. 15 depicts a diagramof an overhead view of a poultry transport cage liner 1100 in accordancewith the principles of the present invention. FIG. 15 essentiallydepicts the poultry transport cage liner 1100 of FIG. 12 substantiallywithout front wall 1104 d or living hinge 1201, instead having a forwardedge 1101 much closer to, or integral with, floor 1102. This poultrytransport cage liner 1100 may likewise protect live birds duringloading, transportation, and unloading from potentially hazardouscontainment wire (cage sides and rear), and flooring. The liner may comein a variety of sizes to fit a poultry transport cage (See referencecharacter 3000 of FIG. 25) including potentially comprising 15individual drawers/cells, 10 individual drawers/cells, and/or a 10drawer/cell “broiler” cage version (having taller sides/rear). The linermay further be retrofitted to any other poultry cage presently on (orfitted to any other poultry cage which may enter) the market.

The poultry transport cage liner 1100 may comprise a floor 1102 and oneor more walls 1104 (e.g. walls 1104 a, 1104 b, and 1104 c in FIG. 15).In some embodiments, wall 1104 a may be a first side wall, wall 1104 bmay be a back wall, and wall 1104 c may be a second side wall. In theexample depicted in FIG. 15, the poultry transport cage liner 1100 is inan unfolded position, wherein the walls 1104 a-1104 c are substantiallyin plane with the floor 1102. The walls 1104 a-1104 c may be hingeablyattached to the floor 1102 at hinged connections 1108, such as via acrease in the integral formation between the each respective wall 1104a-1104 c and the floor 1102. In some embodiments, the poultry cage liner1100 may include tabs 1110 at adjacent sides of the walls 1104 a-1104 csuch that the tabs 1110 may overlap the adjacent wall 1104 a-1104 c whenthe walls 1104 a-1104 c are in the upright position.

FIG. 16 depicts a labeled diagram of the poultry transport cage liner1100 of FIG. 15. In some embodiments, the overall length 1101 of thepoultry transport cage liner 1100 from a forward edge 1101 to a top 1105b of wall 1104 b may be 137 cm. The height 1107 of each perimeter wall1104 a-1104(c) may be 20 cm (e.g. from the respective hinged connection1108 to the corresponding top of the wall 1104 a-1104 c) or any otherheight appropriate for the corresponding cage.

In some embodiments, the floor 1102 may comprise one or more drain slots1106. The drain slots 1106 may be positioned anywhere in the floor toallow for adequate waste drainage. However, positioning the drain slots1106 at the edges of the floor 1102 may allow for drainage along and inbetween the walls the poultry transport cage walls. Thereby, wastedraining directly onto other poultry below may be avoided. Furthermore,positioning drain slots 1106 in line with a fold, such as that of hingedconnection 1108, may allow for easier folding of the liner 1100.

A width of walls 1104 a and 1104 c may be substantially the length ofthe floor 1102, except for setback 1103. Setback 1103 may be 24 mm fromthe forward edge 1101. The width 1109 of the liner 1100 in the unfoldedposition may be 110 cm measured from the top 1105 a of wall 1104 a tothe top 1105 c of wall 1104 c. The length 1111 of the liner 1100 in theunfolded position may be 137 cm measured from the forward edge 1101 tothe top 1105 b of the back wall 1104 b.

The walls 1104 a-1104 c of the poultry transport cage liner 1100 mayfurther comprise holes 1202. Holes 1202 may be sized for airflow forcontained/transported poultry. For example, embodiments include betweenthree to six rows of holes 1202 in the walls 1104 a-1104 c. Furtherembodiments may include one row of holes 1202 in each wall 1104 a-1104c. Additional embodiments even include any number and size of holes 1202in each wall 1104 a-1104 c.

FIG. 17 depicts a diagram of an alternate overhead view of the poultrytransport cage liner 1100 of FIG. 15 in accordance with the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 18 depicts a diagram of another overhead view of the poultrytransport cage liner 1100 of FIG. 15 in a folded position in accordancewith the principles of the present invention. The unfolded poultrytransport cage liner of FIG. 15 can be folded into a folded position byfolding the walls 1104 a-1104 c at hingeable attachment 1108 to bepositioned orthogonally to the floor 1102. This folded position may besized to fit to the interior of a poultry transport cage.

For example, the poultry transport cage liners 1100 may comprise one ormore plastics, such as corrugated fluted polypropylene (e.g.Coroplast™), or any other thermally insulating material sufficient toprevent birds from freezing to the liner with sufficient tensilestrength to support the weight of at least one bird poultry. Suchmaterial may be placed as a liner on the inside of a poultry transportcage such that a bird poultry placed inside the liner may be preventedfrom touching the metal of the cage. In embodiments wherein, the lineris a thermal insulator, the feet of any birds or poultry inside theliner may be prevented from freezing to the cage.

The material of the poultry transport cage liners may further providesufficient flexibility such that the liner may be inserted into a brokencage. For example, if a cage has broken metal wire pointing into theinterior of the cage, the poultry transport cage liner may havesufficient flexibility to deform over the wire with the poultrytransport cage liner fully in the cage.

The material of the poultry transport cage liners may also providetensile strength sufficient to support the weight of one to any numberof poultry placed inside the poultry transport cage liner afterinstallation of the liner into the poultry transport cage. For example,an aging poultry transport cage may develop holes as the wire breaks.Upon installation, the poultry transport cage liner may cover the holesand support the weight of any contained birds. In further example, thepoultry transport cage may not necessarily have a bottom. In theseembodiments, the liner perimeter walls may be anchored to the sides ofthe cage and the bottom of the liner may be suspended from the linerperimeter walls by integral formation or attachment to the cageperimeter walls.

FIG. 19 depicts an alternate view of the poultry transport cage liner ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 20 depicts the poultry transport cage liner of FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 depicts the poultry transport cage liner of FIG. 20 placed intoa poultry cage in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention. As can be seen, the floor 1102 may cover the floor of thepoultry transport cage, such as any exposed metal. The holes 1202 mayallow air flow through the poultry transport cage liner 1100. Forexample, metal wire 1704 of the poultry transport cage may be exposedthrough one or more holes 1202. The poultry transport cage liner 1100may be attached to the poultry transport cage 3000 (of FIG. 25) by anattachment 1706. For example, the attachment 1706 may comprise afastening tie looped around the metal wire 1704 and through two holes1202 in a wall 1104 a-1104 c. The binding of the poultry transport cageliner 1100 to the frame structure 100 by one or more attachments 1706may provide the poultry transport cage liner 1100 with sufficientintegrity to support the weight of one or more birds due to theintegrity of the poultry transport cage liner 1100. In some embodiments,the underlying cage may also support the poultry transport cage liner1100.

FIG. 22 depicts an additional view of the poultry transport cage linerof FIG. 21.

FIGS. 23 and 24 depict openwork in the form of cagework 1725 althoughany number of openworks could be utilized in the current inventionincluding wireworks, grillwork, perforated walls, or any other openworkssystem designed to permit airflow and ventilation for poultry confinedto cells. Furthermore, this openworks systems might not only be presenton the outer parameters of the frame structure but internally as well,with said frame structure 100 and cagework 1725 (or other openworks)generally helping defining cells for containing poultry duringtransport. Insertable drawers (e.g., drawer 1600) and/or doors (e.g.,door 1610) and/or poultry transport cage liners 1100 may also helpdefine cells for containing poultry during loading/unloading/transportoperations.

FIG. 23 depict the binding of the poultry transport cage liner of FIG.21 to a poultry transport cage 1902 in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention. The attachment 1706 may comprise a fastening tielooped through holes 1202 in the wall 1104 a-1104 c and around the wire1704 of the poultry transport cage 1902.

FIG. 24 depicts multiple poultry transport cage liners in respectivecells of a multi-cell poultry transport cage in accordance with in theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 25 depicts one preferred embodiment of a multi-cell poultrytransport cage 3000.

FIG. 26 depicts a perimeter wall 1202 of an alternate poultry transportcage liner 1200 in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention. The perimeter wall 1202 may comprise a first side wall 1204a, a back wall 1204 b, and a second side was 1204 c. The first side wall1204 a may be hingeably attached to the back wall 1204 b at hingedconnection 1208. The poultry transport cage liner 1200 and/or theperimeter wall 1202 may comprise materials similar to those of thepoultry transport cage liner 1100. The second side wall 1204 c may behingeably attached to the back wall 1204 b at hinged connection 1208.The hinged connection 1208 may be integrally formed with the walls 1204a-1204 c. In these embodiments, the hinged connection 1208 may comprisea crease or a fold in the material of the perimeter wall 1202.Alternatively, the poultry transport cage liner 1100 may be separatewall sections and separate floor or any combination thereof.

The perimeter wall 1202 may have a height of about 20.3 cm. The firstside wall 1204 a and the second side wall 1204 c may have a length ofabout 111.7 cm. The holes 1210 may be about 3.2 cm in diameter. In otherembodiments, the holes 1210 may be about 3.2 cm in radius. The holes1210 may be substantially similar to holes 1202, and vice versa.

The perimeter wall 1202 may further comprise a flange 1206. The flange1206 may extend inwardly and/or outwardly about 7.0 inches orthogonallyfrom a bottom of the perimeter wall 1202. The flange 1206 may otherwisebe sized for receiving an interchangeable liner floor when the perimeterwall 1202 is in the folded position.

FIG. 27 depicts an alternate perimeter wall 1302 made up of wallsections 1302 a, 1302 b, and 1302 c (and potentially associated flange1306) attached to an interchangeable liner floor 1304 in accordance withthe principles of the present invention. The sizing of the respectivewall sections 1302 a-1302 c may be substantially similar to the sizingof the wall sections 1204 a-1204 c of the perimeter wall 1202. Thealternate perimeter wall 1302 may comprise a first side wall 1302 a, aback wall 1302 b, and a second side wall 1302 c, in separate sections.The perimeter wall 1302 may further comprise a flange 1306 that issubstantially similar to the flange 1206. Thus, the flange 1306 maysupport the interchangeable liner floor 1304. As such, theinterchangeable liner floor 1304 may be temporarily attached to theperimeter wall 1302 a-1302 c, such as by wire, pins, zip tie, nails,etc.

FIG. 28 depicts installation of a poultry transport cage liner 1400 intoa poultry transport cage in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention. As can be seen, the perimeter wall 1402 may be foldedagainst the floor 1400 beyond the orthogonal folded position previouslydepicted. The poultry transport cage liner 1400 can then be insertedinto the poultry transport cage. After insertion, the perimeter wall1402 may be released to the orthogonal folded position depicted above.Then, the liner 1400 may be fastened to the cage with the fasteningmethod of choice, such as the fastening ties described with respect toFIG. 21.

FIGS. 11 and 23-25 best depict the openworks aspect of the systempermitting airflow.

Discussions of preferred embodiments are not intended to exclude otherpossibilities, including, but not limited to, the number of columns ofdrawers, the presence of a platform on at least some portion of thetrailer chassis; frame structure(s) connecting to a platform bed, framechassis or other chassis, or parts attached to a platform bed or chassis(e.g., an outer framing structure, or end walls (or approximatingequivalents such as corner posts/flippers) such as those used onflat-track containers; or different types of trailers (e.g., goosenecktrailer, step deck trailer, low boy trailer preferably made oflightweight material as compared to often heavy material used to haulvery heavy equipment/loads, extendable/expandable trailer); or thepossibility of more than two or simply one frame structure forming theequivalent or a substitute to a paired frame structure that isengageable to a chassis/platform or such attachment thereto; or thepossibility that in a paired/joined frame structure of two or more framestructures, the tops or bottoms of individual frame structures in apaired/joined frame structure could have multiple combinations ofrecesses or protrusions provided one or more of them engages anotherrecess or protrusion in an adjoining frame structure.

Nor is the recitation of an openworks intended to prohibit at least aportion of a boundary of the frame structure having a wall-like formrather than openworks. Nor is discussion of a liner with a living hingeutilizing magnetics intended to exhaust the manner in which the door maybe moved from an open to closed conditions; for example, a piano hinge,push open push close mechanism, or tensioned spring may be utilized tohelp bias the door open and/or closed. Nor are given examples ofmaterial the poultry transport cage liner intended to limit whatmaterial may be utilized as different users may wish to use differentmaterials emphasizing different applications; for example, some usersmay wish to utilize very cheap paper-like material potentiallydisposable after each transport cycle while others may wish to use moredurable material that can be periodically cleaned with multiple lifetimetransport cycles before replacement.

Traditionally, frame structures and their associated openworks and doorshave been composed mainly of metal. However, in some embodiments of theaforementioned systems, much of the frame structure and/or openworksand/or door may be composed of plastic, other polymers, combinedpolymers, and/or combined polymers and non-polymeric materials, suitablefor load-bearing adequate to contain and transport poultry. Also, theaforementioned systems may have much/most of their frame structureand/or openworks and/or door composed of lightweight plastic, othercombined polymers, and or combined polymers and non-polymeric materialswhile other portions of the frame structure and/or openworks and/or door(especially outer portions of the frame structure) may be composed of alightweight metal (e.g., aluminum) wherein the lightweight metalcomponent(s) have more desirable strength/wear qualities than if theywere made of plastic or other non-metal material.

We claim:
 1. A poultry transport system comprising at least one framestructure configurable for baseless suspension said at least one framestructure having at least one load-bearing layer.
 2. The poultrytransport system of claim 1 further comprising: a transport vehiclecomprising at least two frame rails at least some portion(s) of whichare separated by a gap wherein the at least one frame structure isconfigurable for baseless suspension from the at least two frame rails.3. The poultry transport system of claim 2 further comprising at leasttwo traversing bars between at least two of the at least two framerails, said frame rails and at least two traversing bars defining atleast one loading port configured for insertion of a frame structurebottom of the at least one frame structure.
 4. The poultry transportsystem of claim 1 wherein the at least one load-bearing layer comprisesat least six load-bearing layers.
 5. A poultry transport systemcomprising: a frame structure configurable to transport poultrycomprising; at least two frame structure sides; at least two framestructure ends. a frame structure top; a frame structure bottom;openworks joined to the frame structure said openworks configurable forpermitting airflow, wherein said frame structure and openwork at leastpartially define a cell configured for containing poultry duringtransport and at least one cargo port opening leading to a cell forcontaining poultry during transport.
 6. The poultry transport system ofclaim 5 wherein the frame structure further comprises at least sixload-bearing layers.
 7. The poultry transport system of claim 5 whereinthe frame structure generally defines a rectilinear box.
 8. The poultrytransport system of claim 5 wherein the frame structure and openworkcomprise at least one vertical member at least partially defining atleast two columns of cargo port openings with respective associatedcells within the frame structure.
 9. The poultry transport system ofclaim 5 wherein the frame structure is configured to support drawersinserted into respective cargo port openings.
 10. The poultry transportsystem of claim 5 wherein the frame structure top comprises at least onelongitudinal member defining a recess engageable by lifting means. 11.The poultry transport system of claim 5 wherein the frame structure topof one frame structure is shaped and/or frictionally engageable forpairing with a frame structure bottom of another frame structure therebyforming paired frame structures.
 12. The poultry transport system ofclaim 5 further comprising: a door associated with respective cargo portopenings wherein the door is configured to be biased and securable toprevent the unintentional exit of poultry once inserted into a cell fortransport.
 13. The poultry transport system of claim 12 wherein the doorcomprises at least one magnet engageable with material in or connectedto the frame structure.
 14. The poultry transport system of claim 12wherein the door comprises openworks.
 15. The poultry transport systemof claim 12 wherein the door comprises a hinge.
 16. The poultrytransport system of claim 12 wherein the door is part of a respectivedrawer generally configured to be insertable into a respective cargoport opening.
 17. The poultry transport system of claim 16 wherein thedoor is integral with a front section of a poultry transport cage liner.18. The poultry transport system of claim 16 wherein the door and/ordrawer is integral with and/or comprised of a portion of a poultrytransport cage liner.
 19. The poultry transport system of claim 5further comprising a poultry transport cage liner.
 20. The poultrytransport system of claims 19 wherein the poultry transport cage lineris comprised of thermally insulating material.
 21. The poultry transportsystem of claim 19 wherein the poultry transport cage liner comprises afloor section.
 22. The poultry transport system of claim 21 wherein thepoultry transport cage liner further comprises at least one wallsection.
 23. The poultry transport system of claim 22 wherein thepoultry transport cage liner further comprises holes defined by the atleast one wall sections.
 24. The poultry transport system of claim 22wherein drainage slots are defined by the floor section and/or the atleast one wall sections.
 25. The poultry transport system of claim 22wherein the at least one wall section comprises at least two wallsections.
 26. The poultry transport system of claim 25 wherein the atleast two wall sections comprises at least four wall sections, whereinthe floor section and four wall sections are configurable to form thegeneral shape of an open-top box.
 27. The poultry transport system ofclaim 25 wherein the poultry transport cage liner further comprisesmeans for fastening at least one wall section to at least one otheradjacent wall section.
 28. The poultry transport system of claim 27wherein the means for fastening comprise one or more tabs engagable withat least one other adjacent wall section.
 29. The poultry transportsystem of claim 18 wherein the poultry transport cage liner comprises aliving hinge.
 30. The poultry transport system of claim 29 wherein thedoor further comprises at least one magnet engageable with material inor connected to the frame structure.
 31. The poultry transport system ofclaim 22 wherein the poultry transport cage liner is configurable togenerally lie within a plane and is foldable to where the at least onewall sections is substantially perpendicular to the floor section.
 32. Amethod for poultry transport comprising the steps of: placing poultrywithin cells defined within a frame structure; inserting a framestructure bottom of an at least one frame structure through a gap atleast partially defined by at least two frame rails comprising part of atransport vehicle; and suspending the frame structure from the at leasttwo frame rails in a baseless configuration.
 33. The method for poultrytransport of claim 32 further comprising the step of placing a poultrytransport cage liner within a cell within a frame structure.
 34. Themethod for poultry transport of claim 32 further comprising the step ofengaging the top of a first frame structure with the bottom of a secondframe structure.
 35. The method for poultry transport of claim 32wherein the step of placing poultry within cells defined within a framestructure further comprises placing poultry within cells contained in atleast six load-bearing layers within the frame structure.